Problems!!

[azcowgirl]

well i have a few problems with these puppies
1. they rip up things to shreds when they see anything on the ground. they have ALOT of toys also
2. They wont stop jumping on people.. people cant even come into my house!
3. not potty trained yet eh they are soo stubborn!!
4. biting. not just nipping everyone someone trys to pet them ( like me and my boyfriend ) they bite hands. and like to jump up and try to nip at faces ( not aggressivly though )
what can i do? more exercise? or what?

[lizzybeth727]

Originally Posted by azcowgirl

1. they rip up things to shreds when they see anything on the ground.

1. Don't leave anything on the ground if you don't want it to get ripped up.

Also, it's good that they have a lot of toys, but you might keep all but one or two of the toys picked up all the time, and you can rotate them out as needed to keep them interesting. If you have a lot of toys all over the place, puppies have a hard time differentiating between what's theirs and what's not, because there's so much stuff that IS theirs!

Originally Posted by azcowgirl

2. They wont stop jumping on people.. people cant even come into my house!

If they're jumping on you, just turn around, walk away, and ignore them until they calm down or they find something else to do. They are jumping for attention, and if you give them attention (even if it's bad attention, like yelling or pushing) you're rewarding the jumping. So you have to make sure not to give them any attention. At the same time, be sure to reward them a lot when they greet you calmly - ask them for a sit and then give attention, or just give a lot of attention when they sit on their own.

Jumping on strangers - Keep them confined so that they can't get to the people, until the puppies calm down a bit. Put them in crates or on leash. Then when they calm down, you can ask the person to ask them to sit, and give them attention when they sit. You'll also have to explain to your person that if they jump, turn around and ignore them. To me, it's easier to do this if the puppies are on leash. I'd also suggest doing it one puppy at a time.

Originally Posted by azcowgirl

3. not potty trained yet eh they are soo stubborn!!

You'll have to give us more information about what you've done and what you're trying to do. You can also search for other threads specifically about potty training, there's at least one new one a week.

Originally Posted by azcowgirl

4. biting. not just nipping everyone someone trys to pet them ( like me and my boyfriend ) they bite hands. and like to jump up and try to nip at faces ( not aggressivly though )

We'll really need more info about this one, too - when do they bite, what are you doing, etc. At this point, though, I can tell you to get up and leave your puppy when he/she bites you. Give them no attention for a few minutes. Puppies usually bite out of play or excitement, so once they learn that biting ends the play, they should stop biting.

Nipping at faces is actually usually good dog/dog behavior. Dogs don't understand that it's not good dog/human behavior. Treat this one just like the jumping, and once you stop the jumping they won't be jumpping and nipping at your face.

[puppylover2007]

awww Puppyhood

hey AZ, do you have a backyard? the reason i ask is because my babies go there, when i have to clean up after a "tear apart game" they go back there til i am done. then they come in, i also do the trade game, which means if they have something they are not too, i take it from them and say "trade me" and they start chewing on that instead.

- as for jumping on people, i would use a firm NO and "get down" and that seems to work.

-as for potty training, it also helps if you have a backyard or a fenced off area, for the first month or so we would take them out 1 hour after they ate/drank anything, and we would take them out after a nap ( yep, ALOT of long nights), pretty soon they would just go to the backdoor.. whatever you do DO NOT CRATE them, i see no sense it crating, it just makes the dog feel unloved ( i will so get crap for this but OH WELL), and crates are not good for long term training they are meant for short term, just DO NOT USE THEM.

-the biting thing is kinda concerning.. i would just use a stern NO or stop and then turn away from them, maybe google biting and see what you get, either way GOOD LUCK, they are pups and i am dealing with it now, they are potty trained and they do not chew anything, but, use TLC with them and they will be fine.

[mojo-rizin]

Originally Posted by puppylover2007

-as for potty training, it also helps if you have a backyard or a fenced off area, for the first month or so we would take them out 1 hour after they ate/drank anything, and we would take them out after a nap ( yep, ALOT of long nights), pretty soon they would just go to the backdoor.. whatever you do DO NOT CRATE them, i see no sense it crating, it just makes the dog feel unloved ( i will so get crap for this but OH WELL), and crates are not good for long term training they are meant for short term, just DO NOT USE THEM.

You may see no sense in crate training, but used correctly is the easiest way to potty train a puppy. My boys have been crate trained from day 1, and they, in no way, feel unloved. They are crated while we are at work (to keep them safe, and to keep us from coming home to a ripped up house), and occasionally at night. They are out the rest of the time, and they are very well adjusted, socialized and happy dogs. It was used as a training method at first, now it is a safe haven for them.

You can CHOOSE to crate train, or not, but you shouldn't TELL someone not to do something because you don't like it. It is up to AZ to decide whether SHE agrees with it or not.

[Maxy24]

Well luckily this is all normal puppy stuff

1. they rip up things to shreds when they see anything on the ground. they have ALOT of toys also

Like Lizzy said go through your house and put up anything you don't want them to get their teeth on. Put stuff on shelves, in cabinets, cloths in a closed hamper etc. Start teaching them drop it. To teach that you use many different objects give one to the dog, show him a treat, when he drops the object he has take the object off the ground as you give the treat to the dog. When the dog is finished with the treat give him the object back (so use stuff he can have for now, later we'll work on non-dog items). Do this over and over and once he drops the object quickly start saying the command "drop it" when you present the treat. Later he should respond just to the drop it command. You can also start using non-dog items to practice. Set him up by leaving an object on the floor and let the dog into the room. He will grab it so you can walk over (be prepared and have a treat in your hand and a dog toy on a table near you) and ask him to "drop it" once he does give the treat, take the object put it up where the toy is and take the toy down and play with the puppy using the toy. This will teach him that although you are taking his stuff it's ok because really good things happen when you do. This command will help is you miss something when puppy proofing and the dog grabs it. If you try to take it from him it is seen as VERY rude in the dogs mind and can cause him to guard the toy. By teaching the dog to drop it you are not invading his space or being forceful, you are being polite and respecting him so he will willingly give the toy to you once he learns only good things happen when he does.

Now if before you can teach drop it you catch them with something still grab a treat and trade them for it. Then as quickly as possible give them a toy to replace the lost item and play with him. Do not punish or he could learn to associate you taking toys with punishment which could lead to toy/food/possession guarding.

2. They wont stop jumping on people.. people cant even come into my house!

Think about why the pups jump. It's probably for attention, that's why most dogs jump. They need to learn that jumping fails to get them what they want and that being calm and keeping all "four on the floor" gets them what they want. so you can train them not to jump by walking in your front door and when he (only do it with one puppy at a time, put the other one away) jumps quickly turn around, cross your ams and look up at the ceiling. Don't look at, talk to or touch the puppy. Once he stops jumping for three second turn around and turn on the happy! Get down and pet him and talk to him gently. Then stand back up. If he jumps again then repeat as you did before. Do this a few times a day. also have others help you. Ask your friends if they want to help train your pup and tell them what to do. If you are having friends over that do not want to help hen put the pups away until your friends are settled into your house so the dogs won't jump. Later you can work with both pups together but not until they are 100% when they are by themselves. also any time you or anybody walks in the door and the pups don't jump on them or you praise the hell out of them!! (without getting them so excited they7 will jump) when they do this for the first time they are making sure that this is the new behavior they are supposed to do for attention. If they don't get praised for it then they may think they chose the wrong behavior. They might learn that in order to get the attention they must first jump THEN stop.

3. not potty trained yet eh they are soo stubborn!!

How old are they? they are still young so it will be a while. but you should be working hard to prevent accidents. this means well preventing accidents. the only ways to do that are through supervision and crating (if they are not crated and unsupervised then they have no reason not to pee). Crating not only prevents them from peeing it teaches them how to hold it, they can't go as soon as they feel it but might have to wait a little bit (don't over do it though if they mess their crates too much you could be in for trouble). Without prevention you'd have to use punishment which is NEVER advisable for housebreaking. When you are able to watch your pup make sure you know what signs to look for. If he paces, sniffs, walks in circles or any other behavior yours do before going potty then rush him outside even if that means picking him up asap. Make sure you bring treats so he can get a lot of praise when he goes outside. Since you have two try and bring both out since the other probably will have to go soon since they are on the same schedule I assume. Make sure you load them with praise as soon as they finish. when you can't be watching them crate them. When you can watch them but don't want to be following them all around the house and the room has no door them tie their leashes to your wrist, belt or waist. it will take time so don't be discouraged. Make sure you clean up any accidents with an enzymatic stain cleaner.

4. biting. not just nipping everyone someone trys to pet them ( like me and my boyfriend ) they bite hands. and like to jump up and try to nip at faces ( not aggressivly though )
what can i do? more exercise? or what?

More exercise might help since they are a HIGH energy breed. but they need to learn hands are not play things to be chewed. start playing with him using a toy and as soon as you feel the puppy bite you stand up quickly and ignore the pup, back turned towards him, ignoring like I told you to with the jumping. Wait 30 seconds or so then sit back down and play with him using the toy again. Repeat this over and over until he learns that biting ends the fun. As for petting do the same unless he is showing signs that he is bothered by your touching. Does him biting look playful or angry? Is his tail wagging and body bouncy or is he stiff? he may just think you are a chew thing or he could possibly be bothered by petting. If he thinks you are a chew thing then do that same thing I said to do during playing with a toy. if he is bothered by your petting then it will take longer and you'll need to desensitize him to being pet. It's probably just all in good fun though.


I hope this helps, remember to be consistent. Are you crating yet? And how old are they? Remember that after 8-12 weeks they need to start being separated for crating and for a good part of the day so that you can have personal time with them and they won't become too attached to each other and not you.

[bcmoffatt]

Originally Posted by puppylover2007

whatever you do DO NOT CRATE them, i see no sense it crating, it just makes the dog feel unloved ( i will so get crap for this but OH WELL), and crates are not good for long term training they are meant for short term, just DO NOT USE THEM.

Seriously? That's pretty bold to tell someone NOT to use them like that. Not using a crate is your choice. Many people use them with great success. Most dogs love their crates.
Crates are an invaluable tool. My dogs have all been crate trained, and I'm pretty sure they never felt unloved.
Now that they are older, and don't necessarily need the crates, They still use them because they like them. It's also good to keeps them acclimated to the crate in case you suddenly need to use one someday, like if your dog is injured, or needs to be transported.

I like the security of knowing my puppy is safe in a crate, not wandering around getting into potentially dangerous situations, like ingesting objects or chewing electrical wires, not to mention undoing any progress I've made in potty training.

They are extremely useful in puppy hood and in the long term.

[Dekka]

IMO not crate training is silly and dangerous. What if you dog needs to spend time at the vet..now it will stressed from being away AND being confined. What if something happens and you are in the hospital..others need to take your dogs etc etc. What if they get injured and need months of crate rest. That is not the time to teach it. And saying that crating makes a dog feel unloved just shows you don't really understand how dogs view dens. Does a child hate its bed? Many of my dog will chose to chill in their (or others) crates even when they can chill on the couch. They LIKE their crates, and if you wish to be anthropomorphic probably feel loved because their person gives them their very own den, with toys and blankies.

[Babyblue5290]

***OP, not advising against using a crate, might help you, but it's your decision.***

Originally Posted by Dekka

IMO not crate training is silly and dangerous..

Woah there! Now that is just as bad as saying "Crate training is silly and abusive!" Just because most people opt for crate training, and I'm not saying it's cruel to crate train, but it doesn't mean those who DON"T crate train are doing anything wrong. You can raise a puppy perfectly fine without crate training to be a healthy dog that lives a long life without the need to be in a crate.

Originally Posted by Dekka

What if you dog needs to spend time at the vet..now it will stressed from being away AND being confined. What if something happens and you are in the hospital..others need to take your dogs etc etc. What if they get injured and need months of crate rest. That is not the time to teach it.

All of the vet's I've been to, with my very large dog, don't have crate type kennels for the dogs. They have RUNS. larger kennels. Ya know?

Others can take care of my dog fine without a kennel. And it's not necesarily "crate" rest a dog would need if it's injured, it needs to not be active, but you don't NEED a crate to do that.

So it is NOT silly or dangerous to NOT use a crate or crate train. Just like it is NOT silly or abusive to use a crate and crate train.

Originally Posted by mojo-rizin

You can CHOOSE to crate train, or not, but you shouldn't TELL someone not to do something because you don't like it. It is up to AZ to decide whether SHE agrees with it or not.

Exactly.

[Dekka]

I had an injury that required 2 months of CRATE rest. A client of mine's dog after surgery needed 4 months of CRATE rest. IMO it is silly not to have the crate trained. After they are used to a crate..I am not saying you have to use it. Its like some of my friends farm dogs, they teach them wear a collar and walk on a leash..even though they never use them. But it is a great skill to have if there is ever an emergency. Honestly I have heard of enough stories about people who are in car accidents and what happens to their dogs. If the dogs are crate trained, its a lot easier to find people to look after them.

And not all vets have runs. Mine has very large crates..as they don't want the dogs moving around too much post op.

I still say in today's society its an important skill to for a dog to have. Not saying people must crate their dogs regularly..just make sure the dog is comfortable in a crate. So I stand by my post..IMO it is important to crate train.

[Babyblue5290]

Originally Posted by Dekka

I had an injury that required 2 months of CRATE rest. A client of mine's dog after surgery needed 4 months of CRATE rest. IMO it is silly not to have the crate trained. After they are used to a crate..I am not saying you have to use it. Its like some of my friends farm dogs, they teach them wear a collar and walk on a leash..even though they never use them. But it is a great skill to have if there is ever an emergency. Honestly I have heard of enough stories about people who are in car accidents and what happens to their dogs. If the dogs are crate trained, its a lot easier to find people to look after them.

And not all vets have runs. Mine has very large crates..as they don't want the dogs moving around too much post op.

I still say in today's society its an important skill to for a dog to have. Not saying people must crate their dogs regularly..just make sure the dog is comfortable in a crate. So I stand by my post..IMO it is important to crate train.

Ok, the injuries for you, you're hard time into (agility?) some kind of dog sport where injuries happen pretty often. I'm talking about a normal, household dog. Sports add to the chance of injury, especially when you're hard core into them like you are. (which I'm not saying is bad in anyway!) So though injuries happen, they just aren't as often and frequent as your dogs would or your clients dogs would get injured.

Ok, now. Yes, crate training can be useful. It is a nice little "extra" bit of training that can make things easier on the dog, god forbid, something happened to you or your dog. But it's not a necesary that will determine your dogs placement for someone watching them while your ill, or if they will be overly stressed. Like I said, I've never seen a vet around here that used small kennels. So that would depend on where you lived.

I'm just saying, it's not a MUST training. And I did take offense to your statement that it was silly dangerous not to train it. I'm sure you believe that though, guess that's where you're at, your type of dogs, their sports, for you it is silly not to. But for people here, who aren't hard core dog sports people, who don't have vet's with these small crates, then it's not that silly. It's not a necesaty.

**I'm having a hard time putting my words together today, I'll come back to this later**